RidersWest recently had the opportunity to get to know Trevor Pearson, the Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010. Across Canada, racers who competed earned points for the number of events entered as well as for placing on the podium. The one lucky rider with the highest score was given a Kawasaki KX and named Team Green Rider of the Year. Pearson, a 13-year-old from Williams Lake, B.C., took the grand prize. We had a chance to ask Pearson some questions about his racing and what inspires him.
Where do you live?
My parents moved us to the Okanagan when I was one. My dad took a transfer with his work, which took us to Williams Lake, when I was six—and that is when I started riding.
How did you get into riding and what was the first bike you ever rode?
We lived on an acreage and my mom thought that every kid should learn to ride a bike. My dad bought each of us a bike—mine was a Honda 50. It was really small, but so was I—so I guess it was a good fit.
Where was your first race and how does it compare to the racing you are doing now?
My first race was in Williams Lake and it was on the Honda 50. As many of your readers would know, you shouldn't race a Honda 50. They aren't made for jumps! After the race, a man came up to my dad and offered to sell him a proper motocross bike. He said that it was dangerous for me to be on the Honda 50, and that night my dad came home with a KTM50. Racing on little bikes is a lot different than on big bikes. I'm riding a KX250F, which is a pretty big bike, but I'm only 13, so when (I) crash . . . it's going to hurt. When I was riding the little bikes, I was the same size as everyone else. Now I'm the smallest, so that can be intimidating too (but) I'm riding in the junior MX-2, junior GP and youth class.
Tell me about your racing history.
When I first started racing, I didn't do that well but I had fun. A lot of parents put a lot of pressure on their kids and it takes the fun out of it—I got to enjoy it. About three years ago things started to change. I was awarded a most improved rider award, which was voted on by all the riders. That was when it started coming together. I didn't feel pushed, I felt challenged—and I think that's the right place to be.
Where do you travel for races?
We race across B.C., Alberta and Washington state. We do it as a family. My brother (who is injured) is my mechanic, my sister takes all the pictures, my mom takes the video and my dad is my coach. My dad says that a family that plays together, stays together—so when I race, my family is always with me.
I've read a little about what is going on with your mom and your brother's injury. Given what is happening in your personal life, what inspiration do you draw from that and use in your races?
Motocross is a lot like life. You compete against others, but your biggest battles are often with yourself. My dad says that it's not how you place, but how you race. It's not about whether you came in first, it's about how you overcame the challenges of that particular race. My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. She went from walking to (being in) a wheelchair in six weeks and it took the doctors another three months to figure out that something was wrong. She never stopped fighting; (she) exercises every day and has been in physio ever since. She exercises every day just so she can walk again. My brother had a compound fracture and broke his leg in six places. He trained every day just so he could ride again. When he came back, he placed second overall in the junior class. There are a tremendous amount of role models out there, but I really don't need to look further than my family. Quit isn't a word that we like to use in our house. Falling is acceptable as long as you plan on getting back up, and my mom and brother lead by example.
Do you have any specific goals for 2011?
I love motocross, so I'd obviously like to keep doing it. I'm hoping that I can finish the season strong and have a good finish in Raymond (at the Western Canadian Amateur Championships). We went down to the States in March and we really enjoyed it. I'd like to do a little more of that if I could.
How did it feel to win Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010?
It was awesome! It was a tough year for our family and sometimes you just need to win one. I've said it before: I didn't win it, our family did. Each person in our family has a job, and each person did it. My brother kept the bike running, my sister and mom make sure that our sponsors know what we're doing, my dad helps me train and keeps me focused. I just have to ride the bike.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I'd like to say thanks to my sponsors: CnC Crash Co., Smith Optics, K&N Filters, Moto Tassinari, Kimpex, OGIO, Signworks Graphics, Fox/RMR Suspension, VP Fuels, Rekluse EXP, Tubliss Tires. Just lastly, I'd like to thank my sister for taking the pictures, my dad for his support, my mom for teaching me what courage is and my brother for being my best friend.
To find out more about Pearson, his family and the Team Green Rider Support Program, click here.
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